perro tonto
/pero tonto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dumb dog" is translated into Spanish as perro tonto.
The phrase is used to describe a dog that lacks intelligence or behaves in a foolish way.
Which one should you use?
While perro tonto implies a lack of intelligence, perro bobo is often used more affectionately to mean a "silly" or "goofy" dog.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Spain, the phrase perro lerdo is used to describe a "dumb dog".
How does it change in a sentence?
If the dog is female, you must change the noun and the adjective to the feminine forms: perra tonta.
Did you know?
- In historical Spanish, perro was originally a pejorative term for a 'cur' before it became the standard word for all dogs.
- The word perro may have originated from a specific vocal call used to summon or command dogs, similar to how hunters might use a specific sound.
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, calling a dog perro tonto is less an insult to the animal and more a reflection of the owner's playful frustration.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué perro tan tonto!What a dumb dog!
- Mi perro tonto siempre se pierde.My dumb dog always gets lost.
- Ese es un perro tonto y ruidoso.That is a dumb and noisy dog.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are watching a dog try to catch a treat.
- SofíaMira a ese perro tonto.Look at that dumb dog.
- AlejandroNo es tonto, solo está distraído.He's not dumb, he's just distracted.
- SofíaPero no puede atrapar la comida.But he can't catch the food.
- AlejandroEs un perro tonto pero muy tierno.He is a dumb dog but very cute.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perro, tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
